Sheldon Silver wants the $9 minimum wage implemented a year ahead of schedule, saying low-wage workers "simply cannot wait two more years for a decent raise." Associated Press

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Democratic Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is looking to increase the hourly minimum wage to $9 a full year early and Staten Island Republicans who sit in that chamber are not at all happy.

"Small businesses already faced a jump in wages nine days ago," said Borelli (R-South Shore). "I think we can give them a break first."

The state bumped the hourly minimum wage up to $8, from $7.25, on Jan. 1.

Legislation passed last year would have it increase to $8.75 on Dec. 31 and to $9 on Dec. 31, 2015.

But Silver (D-Manhattan) wants it implemented a year ahead of schedule, saying low-wage workers "simply cannot wait two more years for a decent raise."

He said introducing new legislation to accelerate it "underscores ... (that) there are thousands of hardworking men and women who are still forced to choose between putting food on the table for their families and paying their bills each month."

But the Island's Republicans disagreed.

Said Ms. Malliotakis (R-East Shore/Brooklyn): "While the state is trying to grow the economy following a great recession, I find it absurd that Speaker Silver thinks it's the appropriate time for an additional mandate on small businesses to increase wages. This would merely be a short-lived, artificial stimulus that risks long-term detriment to our economy. New York already ranks as the state most hostile toward business in the nation. Instead, Speaker Silver should be working with us to reduce burdens on small businesses and create more jobs."

Assemblyman Michael Cusick (D-Mid-Island) said he would "highly consider supporting" the measure to fast-track the increase.

Also tied to the bill is an increase in the cash wage for food service workers, to $5.50 immediately and $6.20 on Dec. 31.

"It is unreasonable to condemn these families to a life of poverty in order to appease large-scale businesses that are exploiting the working poor to maximize profits," said Silver.

Assemblyman Matthew Titone (D-North Shore) could not be immediately reached for comment.